Vertical Markets

CBRN market

by Mark Rowe

Comment on the chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) integrated vehicle market from Jared Bickenbach, analyst for access control, fire and security at the US-based market research company IHS Inc.

How can the CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) threat to military troops and first responders be mitigated?

IHS found the answer is to limit direct exposure and proximity to such dangers by mounting detection equipment onto aircraft, vehicles, and ships. Over the past 12 months, CBRN detection equipment has become an integral part of many military and first responder’s detection and response capabilities. This year, IHS estimated the market size for CBRN vehicle mounted equipment to top $56 million.

Integrating CBRN detection equipment onto vehicles is evolving. Long-range detection equipment can be mounted onto reconnaissance vehicles giving end-users the ability to recognize threats sooner and at further distances. In the United States, the Improved Point Detection System – Lifecycle Replacement Program (IPDS-LR) is expected to create a spike in the market from 2012–2014 as CBRN detection equipment is replaced on Navy ships. The United States is also expected to start purchasing vehicle mounted systems in 2014 as Joint Service Lightweight Stand-Off Chemical Agent Detectors are integrated onto Stryker ground vehicles and other armored vehicles. Advancement in (UAV) or unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) technologies are likely to create new CBRN products and market opportunities which do not exist today providing even further safety.

Integrating multiple platforms is becoming commonplace. CBRN detection equipment is being integrated into command and control structures and investments are trending toward multi-platform, multi-detection and multi-application technologies. Integrating multiple sensors onto multiple platforms dramatically increases the operational effectiveness of CBRN units by allowing for more rapid deployment, detection, and dissemination of equipment and information. Historically, the speed at which information was transmitted to command personnel slowed response times and put responders in danger. The goal with integrated CBRN systems is to increase the operational awareness and flexibility of decision makers.

Vehicle integrated systems can be moved during an operation without risking exposure to personnel. Integrated systems are becoming more advanced, allowing for a more accurate assessment of the events on the ground and safer environment for responders.

What can be expected?

Advancements in detection capability and reductions in overall size of new detectors are expected to open up new markets for integrated CBRN systems.
As sensors become smaller IHS expects to see more sensors mounted onto smaller platforms.
In the short to medium-term the industry can expect smaller vehicles and ships to be integrated with CBRN detection equipment; IHS expects that UAVs and UGVs will have a larger role in the future of CBRN detection.

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